A good friend visited yesterday. She gently nudged me. Asked me what was holding me back. She tried her best to help me. She was so encouraging and sweet. I so appreciated her kindness.
I wanted to show her this wall. I wanted to explain that it erects itself every time I start summoning up the courage to come forward with the difficult work I sincerely want to do.
Brick by brick, I’m going to start dismantling this wall.
I can’t believe I haven’t written on this blog in over a year. That’s bananas. A friend told me yesterday that writing will heal me. He’s so right.
I have been writing, just not publishing. The weird turn this whole “working out loud” phenomenon has taken (the favoring bad actors bit) has sequestered me into only sharing in private groups of trusted friends.
Yet, I still have quite a bit to say.
Timing is everything.
We’ll see.
This morning when I woke up, I saw this note from the new Clerk of Court, Grant Maloy, asking for support for his improvements at the Clerk’s office. In addition to various improvements needed in the office, he mentioned he’d also like to provide better service to Domestic Violence victims.
Now, unless you work in the field, you probably don’t know a woman can file an injunction (aka restraining order) outside of the criminal justice system –– right at her local Clerk of Court’s office. This relieves a little of the fear and trauma associated with taking that brave step. It’s still an unsettling and upsetting ordeal, nonetheless.
I applaud the new Clerk of Court for recognizing the sensitivity and care involved in serving domestic violence victims. Please read the dialog below:
It’s short notice (the Commissioners meet this morning at 9am), but if my friends in Seminole County would simply cut and paste this email, and send a note to the County Commissioners who are meeting this morning, maybe we can provide these funds and services to assist victims and those who serve them valiantly every day.
Suggested email, feel free to personalize:
Subject: Clerk of Court requested assists for Domestic Violence Victims
Domestic Violence victims take a courageous step when they file for an injunction. I applaud Grant Maloy’s efforts to provide space at the office of the Clerk of Court to facilitate a smoother and less traumatic, dehumanizing experience. Public Service shines when we take care of our most vulnerable citizens. This one is a no-brainer. I urge you to consider his recommended suggestions to increase space and bring some dignity to this oftentimes harrowing and emotional act for self-protection.
County Commissioners‘ email addresses:
Lee Constantine: lconstantine@seminolecountyfl.gov
For Bob Dallari: kedenfield@seminolecountyfl.gov
For John Horan: jspry02@seminolecountyfl.gov
For Brenda Carey: stucker@seminolecountyfl.gov
For Carlton Henley: gvenn@seminolecountyfl.gov
A Piece of My Mind 